Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1887-06-22
Raphine-Its Industries.

Mazuf acturers' Record, of the 18th in
slant, furnishes a volume of valuable infor-
nation. 1t is not only suggestive to other
sections Of our Valley country which have
recently been brought into notice by the
completion of two lines of railroad through
the extent Of Augusta and Rockbridge
counties, but furnishes positive proof of the
early return Of good interest upon invest
ments made for the purpose of developing
the resources which we have here awaiting
the touch of enterprise and sagacity.-
Raphine is little town wholly built up
since the completion of the Valley railroad
to Lexington in 1888. It. is in the centre
of one of the oldest settlements made in the
Valley, and until the advent Of the rail-
road had no other than primitive modes of
transportation. The progress which it has
made in four years, is the best guaranty
that it will become more than little town
in the near future, for the enterprise and
sagacity Of the founder, Mr.. Gibbs, have
been impressed upon the home people who
are embarking with their means and their
energy to place their own neighborhood
and surrounding country in the first rank
of progress. Mr.. Gibbs has led the way, and
It is in the right direction, and he is find
ing plenty of followers-men who are not
waiting for foreigners to come in and take
hold, but do so themselves, and they will
be the first to receive aid from abroad, for
they have shown their faith by their works.
We have repeatedly written Of Raphine
and its progress, and from present appear
ances there will soon be opportunity to en-
large upon the past of its history. Of that
community nothing need be added for the
information of our home people, but we
can say to the Record, whose good offices
are continuously exerted for the best inter-
ests of Virginia and the South, that no bet
ter population exists under the sun. The
men are of the highest tone and the women
add dignity and grace to the community
The first settlers Of the Valley who planted
churches and schools whilst warding off the
Indian tribes in their merciless warfare
upon approaching christian civilization, are
represented by direct descendants and there
they will continue to be born and to live
to the end of time. The country is i'm
proving from the sad consequences of war,
and soon it will lead the way in Industrial
progress and stable prosperity. On the
summit of the central valley watershed,
nature has richly endowed it with innumer-
able blessings and it furnishes striking
example of nerve, energy, frugality, and a
purpose to earn, enjoy and transmit its
highly favored opportunities.
The letter of Mr.. Gibbs, which we copy,
speaks in strong and assured language of
the future:
RAPH1NE, VA, June II, 1887.
Editor Many acturers' Record;
built small grain elevator at this place
last summer, which has been so well
patronized that / will this summer build
an addition of 80 per cent. to it, and double
the separating capacity for cleaning wheat.
| also am about to double the grinding
capacity of my roller process mill for grind
ing corn. There is creamery in course of
erection at this place by joint stock COM
pany, with starting capital of So, $780,
Arrangements are also made for the cree
ton of a foundry and machine shop this
fall, and several new dwellings are in
course of erection, so that the sound of the
carpenter is abroad in the land.
JAS. E. A. GIBBS
RESALE OF THE CALICO MILLs-The
Gallego Mills property in Richmond,
which was knocked off at the sale in April
to Mr.. Charles L. Todd at $3.50, 900 was
put up again by order Of Court on the 18th
instant at the upset bid of Gen. Joseph R.
Anderson at $4,000. It was bought
again by Mr.. Todd at $1se,6OO for the
property, and So, 100 for the brands.
During the interval after the first sale
had been set aside, Mr.. Todd appealed from
the ruling of the Court, and will still test
his rights in that respect. In the first pur-
chase, he had no associates, but will now.
Their names, however, will not be an
nouneed till after the legal questions are
ended. The sale will be confirmed at once,
and Mr.. Todd will Immediately take
charge of the property and prepare for
grinding. The capacity of the flour mill is
one thousand barrels per day. The corn
mill, which Mr.. TODD has had under lease
for several years, will be conducted by the
new concern. All the other property not
necessary for conducting the two mills will
be sold. Either way the Supreme Court
may decide, the property is bargain.
KILLED IN A CoAL-MINE.-Dennis Con-
ners, of Linville, Rockingham Co., Va,
was killed Monday of last week by the fall
ing of wall in coal mine in Pennsyl-
vania. Seeing the danger, he gave the
alarm. All understood him but an Italian,
whom he seized and threw out of the way
of danger, but falling himself in this effort
he was caught by the falling wall and killed.
He was about 80 years of age.
His remains reached his home at Linville
on Tuesday afternoon, and were inferred in
Woodbine Cemetery, at Harrisonburg, on
Thursday morning from the Catholic
Church.
HONORARY DEGREEs.-The Board of
Trustees of Washington and Lee Univer-
sity last week conferred honorary degrees
as follows -
D. D's.-Rev. Robert P. Kerr, of Rich
mond, Va, Rev. ]. S. Gardner, staunton,
Va, Rev. j. r. Sampey, of Louisville, Ky,
Rev. James Grammer, of Fauuuier Co
Va.
D. Thomas Nelson Page, of Rich
mond. Va.
L. L. D.-Col. A. K. McCluer, of Phila-
delphia. Pa.
The Board has elected Prof Harry D.
Campbell. Phi. D., to a new chair inst
created, to be known as the Chair of
Geology and Biology
SALES OF MINERAL LANDS IN VIRGINIA.
The purchase by capitalists of large tracts
of minera land i'll Botetourt county is an
interesting fact as indicating the tendency